Group fighting to reinstate men’s soccer at MSU Billings

BILLINGS — A group wanting to reinstate the men’s soccer program at Montana State University Billings said Wednesday it has received pledges totaling $200,000 towards that goal.

Men’s soccer was discontinued at the NCAA Division school on Nov. 19, 2024 with an MSUB press release noting the choice was made “following an analysis to align the department’s expenses and resources.”

The pledged donations are a step in an “uphill battle”, the MSUB Men’s Soccer Action Group noted in its Wednesday press release announcing the pledges.

In an interview with the Gazette and 406 MT Sports, Alex Balog, a member of the MSUB Men’s Soccer Action Group, noted a timeline had been set in communications with MSUB officials about the possibility of bringing back men’s soccer that they have been working toward.

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Balog said it included being able to raise $200,000 by June 30 and an additional $860,0000 by Jan. 1, 2026. By reaching $200,000 in pledges, the soccer group was hopeful men’s soccer would be resurrected in time for a 2025 season next fall. Balog was the MSUB men’s soccer coach for six seasons before departing in May of 2019 to become an assistant at Villanova University, where he still coaches. He said a possible 2025 MSUB season would likely be nonconference and against local NAIA teams due to recruiting a roster, and scheduling timelines with the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.

MSUB school officials were noncommittal on Thursday toward reinstating soccer, or the possibility of a season this fall. 

“As with all our athletic programs at MSU Billings, we welcome the support from the community. We commend the alumni group for working on pledge commitments for men’s soccer. Until full commitments and a sustainability plan are in place, we can’t comment any further about future plans and decisions,” said Dan Carter, Director of University Communications & Marketing for MSUB.

“In the meantime, we are looking forward to our men’s and women’s basketball teams competing well in the GNAC Conference tournament this week and cheering on the Yellowjacket softball and baseball programs. It’s a great time of year for our student-athletes.”

Email Gazette Sports Editor John Letasky at john.letasky@406mtsports.com or follow him on X/Twitter at @GazSportsJohnL

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